RMA Makes Changes in Biotech Endorsement Program and Streamlines Crop Reporting Dates

By: Chris Bruynis, Assistant Professor & Extension Educator, Ross County

Farmers that were able to reduce crop insurance premiums by using the Pilot Biotechnology Endorsement (BE) approved by the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors (FCIC Board) starting with the 2008 crop year (CY), will no longer be able to beginning with CY 2012. The Pilot BE has provided a premium rate reduction to eligible producers that plant certain qualifying corn hybrids. After careful consideration, and in consultation with the pilot submitters, the FCIC Board has concluded the Pilot BE will terminate in the interest of program simplification.

However, RMA will consider an appropriate reduction in the underlying base premium rates for corn in the existing pilot area beginning with the 2012 crop year. Ohio was one of the states in the Pilot BE Program.

The Risk Management Agency (RMA) and the Farm Service Agency (FSA) have established 15 common acreage reporting dates for producers participating in RMA and FSA programs. Before the streamlining, RMA had 54 acreage reporting dates for 122 crops, and FSA had 17 dates for 273 crops.  In Ohio, this change means producers will now have four acreage reporting dates instead of five.

Beginning in 2012 burley tobacco, spring cabbage (planted 3/15-5/31), corn, grain sorghum, hybrid corn seed, spring oats, popcorn, potatoes, soybeans, tomatoes, and any other crops not listed elsewhere will have a July 15 acreage reporting date. Summer cabbage (planted 6/01-7/20) will have an August 15 acreage reporting date.

Beginning in 2013 January 15 will be the acreage reporting date for apples and grapes. December 15 will be the acreage reporting date for fall barley, fall wheat, and any other fall seeded small grain.

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